Given the stress, the pain, the endless cycles of coffee-fueled rage and despair, it is often hard to forget how far you have come. You are within sight of not only the end of this dastardly period of exams, but also so very close to a well-deserved break. Whether this is your first term at university, or if you are only at UBC for a brief (albeit exciting) semester, you have succeeded so far. And there are very few reasons as to why these last few weeks should not see you succeed again. I know it is easy to say that self-care is important in these despairing times – grab a tea, or a hot chocolate, take a break, sleep well, eat well, or go to one of those free Yoga sessions (fine, they’re by donation, but close enough, right?). To actually get up from your desk and do any of those things is an entirely different matter. In those dark moments (this time of the year, literally dark), where everything does seem to come tumbling down, please do remember those around you. Remember, your friends, roommates, classmates, and even RAs (I mean, hey, we are here for a reason after all) – often all one needs is a solid rant, and I assure you, that there is always someone who is willing to listen. You do not have to struggle alone. Seek support, and, when you can, offer it to others.

Remember that our lovely campus has a huge amount of resources available to you, should you feel a little overwhelmed:

• The Centre for Student Involvement and Careers does not only help you with your job search, but offers workshops on how to handle panic and stress, in addition to being a pretty cool place to hang out and study
• The Wellness Centre can provide you with resources regarding anything from healthy eating during the exam period, to how to use your anxiety in a constructive way.
• The Learning Commons offers support in how to approach your studies in the most effective way – if you just don’t know where to start, go and check it out.

Also, take a look at http://students.ubc.ca/livewell/topics/stress for all those little strategies you can use yourself to beat back that finals-stress.

And remember, the holidays are just around the corner!
– Constantin

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